I'm Sioux Roslawski and this is my blog about writing, dogs, grown-up children, menopause, the joy of a marvelous book, classroom teaching in general, and specifically, the teaching of writing. You can email me at sroslawski(at)yahoo(dot)com.

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Everybody

Everybody has a story to tell. I firmly believe that. In fact, most people have many stories to tell. Or they have one really long story to share. Last night I had the privilege of dining with some fabulous women... and then I was lucky enough to be on a panel with them.

From left to right: Donna Volkenannt, Linda O'Connell, Sherri Stanczak,
Pat Wahler, and some random passerby (Dianna Graveman--
not pictured as she--cleverly--chose to be the photographer for the evening)

The message of the night was: write. There were people in the audience who are dreaming of being published. There were people who are hesitant--they're on the brink of being a writer. The panel shared some tips for getting a story published by Chicken Soup but really, they were all great suggestions for writing in general.

And for some of us, we might have to be the one taking down another person's story. If you have a parent or other elderly relative (an aunt/uncle, a cousin or grandparent), maybe you need to sit down with them, turn on your phone or your tablet, and start them talking... while you're filming them. Simple questions like, "What did you do for fun when you were a kid?" and "What were holidays like with your family?" and "Talk about any trips you took with your family" are invitations for them to talk. And talk. And talk. Make it casual and fun.

If you're thinking, 'I can do this during the summer,' or next month or next year, do it now.

22 comments:

Ha ha! You're on to me! I loved being the random passerby and amateur photographer for your event last night, Sioux. Thanks so much for including me at dinner, too. Your presentation was fantastic! I always learn something new from you ladies.

Dianna--I love being on the other side of the camera, so I'm envious of where you were. Thanks for coming. It was great catching up with you. And good luck Saturday. I know your book will be well-received...

I love seeing this picture. I saw one with another angle on Linda's page. I am enjoying see you gals and YOU look like you are having too much fun! You are right about story--I see stories everywhere, some more vivid than others but all stories.

Absolutely, Sioux, everyone has a story! I did a Muffin post (with your help!) on How to Get a Story in CS Books and it had the most hits of ANY post I've ever written. I'm talking TONS. So wonderful what y'all are doing with these writing workshops!

I think the evening was a great success. Not only do I feel we may have helped the ones in the audience but I felt that we learned from each other as well. I know each of you inspired me. In fact, my husband, who was in the audience, said that he learned more about writing an essay, in that hour, than he learned in any English class. Plus, I met some very nice ladies. Thank you all for everything.